Galileo International
today announced theÊ introduction of Galileo Best Available Rate, providing all Galileo-connected travel agents with access to the best available published rates offered either online or via hotel reservation numbers at top hotel chains. Galileo is the first and only GDS to sign contractual agreements with major hotel chains including Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels, Carlson Hospitality, Omni Hotels, Minto Place Hotels, Destinations, WestCoast & Red Lion Hotels, and Kempinski Hotels & Resorts to provide access to their best available published rates through the GDS.

“With the rising inconsistency of hotel rates across channels, agents are forced to search multiple sources prior to making reservations. The practice of searching travel Web sites, contacting hotels directly and consulting the GDS is both time consuming and inefficient,” said Rob Turk, executive vice president, Professional Travel in Cleveland, OH.Ê “By proactively entering into agreements that provide Galileo connected travel agencies with access to the best available rates at the hotel chains frequented by our clients, Galileo will undoubtedly save our agents time and frustration while saving our clients money.”

Best Available Rates are currently loaded and available for booking through Galileo. Signed participants in the Galileo Best Available Rate program represent nearly 30% of Galileo’s booking traffic worldwide. Galileo is currently in discussion with several other leading hotel chains with more expected to join in the near term.

“At Galileo, our mission is to deliver the best possible content, at the best available rate in the most convenient and preferred channel to help our agency customers drive revenue and operate more efficiently,” said Eileen Kennedy, vice president, Marketing, Galileo Americas.Ê “With Galileo Best Available Rate, we provide our agents with an incredible resource for one-stop shopping on great hotel rates and content.”

“Galileo’s focus on the best available rate in the GDS will allow travel agents to continue to sell Marriott hotels with confidence knowing thatÊthey have access to Marriott’s best available published rates,” said Mike Burns, Director GDS at Marriott International.Ê
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